Legal Definitions - Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) is a federal law that was passed in 1938. Its purpose is to prevent the transportation of adulterated or misbranded food, drugs, or cosmetics across state lines. The FDCA replaced the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.

Adulterated food, drugs, or cosmetics are those that have been contaminated or altered in some way that makes them unsafe for consumption or use. Misbranded products are those that have false or misleading labeling or packaging.

For example, if a company sells a food product that contains harmful bacteria, it would be considered adulterated under the FDCA. Similarly, if a drug company markets a medication with false claims about its effectiveness, it would be considered misbranded.

The FDCA is important because it helps to ensure that the products we consume and use are safe and accurately labeled. By regulating the transportation of these products across state lines, the FDCA helps to protect consumers from harm and prevent fraudulent marketing practices.